Locally emission-free vehicles: What you need to know about the 80% subsidy until 2024
Up to 425 km range after an upgrade – and up to 80% of the costs were covered by subsidies. The funding period for locally emission-free vehicles ran until 2024; no new calls for funding are planned. Act pragmatically to preempt rising diesel prices and stricter climate regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The 80% subsidy for locally emission-free vehicles and conversions ran until 2024; new funding calls are not planned.
The conversion of existing vehicles (Diesel-to-Electric) preserves capital, avoids the loss of specialized equipment, and is an active contribution to the circular economy.
A TCO analysis (Total Cost of Ownership) shows that electric vehicles are more economical in the long run than diesel vehicles due to lower operational and energy costs.
The electrification of your commercial vehicle fleet is not a question of "if," but "when." In light of rising operating costs, the CO₂ toll, and statutory requirements such as the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, fleet managers are under pressure to act. However, the transition to emission-free vehicles does not have to be a complex, monumental task. With the right strategy, which focuses on retrofitting rather than just purchasing new vehicles, you protect investments already made in expensive custom bodies. This article guides you through a clear 4-point plan, explains the crucial funding programs, and shows how you can sustainably reduce the Total Cost of Ownership of your fleet.
Legal framework and funding deadlines: What applied most recently and what counts today
The pressure to decarbonize commercial vehicle fleets is growing steadily. The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) obliges public procurement authorities to comply with fixed quotas for clean and emission-free vehicles when procuring. Clear targets applied to the period up to the end of 2025, which have been tightened further since 2026. In parallel, the decisive funding round of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) was running. The KsNI funding ran until 2024; no new calls for funding are planned since August 2024. The program "Climate-friendly commercial vehicles and infrastructure" (KsNI) subsidized the additional costs for purchase or conversion by up to 80%. This combination of regulatory pressure and attractive funding has opened an economically sensible transition window. The regulatory pressure remains: those who postpone the transition risk higher operating costs and disadvantages in procurement processes.
Your 4-point action plan for fleet electrification
A structured approach is the key to success. Use this checklist to navigate safely through the process:
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze the daily driving profiles and range requirements of your current fleet. Identify vehicles whose routes can already be easily covered today with a range of up to 500 km, as offered by the HEERO eTransporter.
Check economic efficiency (TCO): Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership. Consider not only the acquisition, but also lower energy, maintenance, and toll costs as well as the available subsidies. An analysis of the total cost of ownership often shows a clear cost advantage for e-vehicles after just a few years.
Evaluate existing vehicles: Check which of your existing vehicles, especially those with expensive special bodies, are suitable for a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE). This conserves resources and capital.
Prepare funding application: Gather all necessary documents for the funding application. Use specialized consulting services to accelerate the process and avoid mistakes; the KsNI funding ran until 2024, no new funding calls are planned.
This pragmatic approach enables a gradual and economically optimized transformation of your fleet.
Funding pools in review: Up to 80% subsidy for vehicle and conversion
The funding landscape in Germany was extremely attractive for years. The BMDV provided targeted support to companies and municipalities during the transition via the KsNI directive. The funding rates were clearly defined: up to 80% of the additional investment expenses for the purchase of a new electric commercial vehicle or for the conversion of a diesel vehicle were reimbursed. In addition, the necessary charging infrastructure was part of this funding guideline. This funding significantly lowered the entry barrier and made the decision for locally emission-free commercial vehicles a strategically wise investment. Under the previous funding calls alone, funds for thousands of vehicles have already been approved. The KsNI funding ran until 2024, and no new funding calls are planned; projects that have already been approved will be fully funded. We clarify on a case-by-case basis which programs are currently open.
TCO analysis: When locally emission-free vehicles really pay off
The higher acquisition costs for electric vehicles are often cited as an obstacle. However, looking solely at the purchase price is too narrow a focus. The decisive factor is the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes all expenses incurred over the entire service life of a vehicle. Studies show that electric trucks can already be more cost-effective than diesel models, depending on the usage profile. The key factors for this are:
Lower energy costs: The costs for electricity per kilometer are significantly lower than diesel costs.
Reduced maintenance: Electric drivetrains have fewer wear parts, which reduces maintenance effort and costs by up to 50%.
Exemption from CO₂ toll: Locally emission-free vehicles are exempt from the CO₂-based truck toll.
Government subsidies: Subsidies of up to 80% of the additional costs reduced the initial investment until 2024.
A HEERO DTE Sprinter with up to 425 km of range often amortizes itself after just four to six years thanks to these savings. The TCO calculation transforms the transition from a mere expense into a long-term profitable investment.
Circular economy as a strategy: Why retrofitting surpasses new purchases
The conversion of existing diesel vehicles is a key component of the circular economy and offers enormous advantages. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with an expensive specialized body, its lifecycle is extended through a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE). This approach saves up to 2 tons of CO₂ per ton of material saved compared to new production. For municipalities, craft businesses, or logistics companies, this means: they protect their original investment while acting sustainably. A converted Sprinter retains its proven body and is fit for the future with a modern electric drive. HEERO has perfected this process and enables conversion within a few days. This makes the electrification of existing fleets not only the smartest choice in terms of emissions, but also economically.
Practicality in focus: mastering range and charging infrastructure
Concerns about insufficient range are often unfounded. Modern electric commercial vehicles cover most daily distances without any problems. The HEERO Tourer for nine people, for example, achieves up to 400 km, and the eTransporter even up to 500 km. The basis for this is powerful batteries, such as the 110 kWh gross battery in most HEERO models. The key lies in intelligent charging planning. Most of the time, the vehicles charge overnight in the depot (depot charging). For charging on the go, the HEERO mid-low floor bus provides a fast charging capacity of up to 165 kW. This recharges the battery to 80% in around 30 minutes. Setting up an in-house charging infrastructure was also eligible for up to 40% funding and is a decisive step towards independence and cost control. This makes electromobility reliable and predictable in day-to-day commercial operations.
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More useful links
The Förderdatenbank (funding database) offers detailed information on funding for locally emission-free commercial vehicles, specifically for North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Klimafreundliche Nutzfahrzeuge (climate-friendly commercial vehicles) initiative provides a comprehensive overview of current funding programs for environmentally friendly commercial vehicles.
The Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) (Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport) informs in a press release about the funding of clean trucks and the associated goals.
The Europäische Kommission (European Commission) publishes news on its proposal to continue exempting heavy commercial vehicles from tolls and user charges.
The Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency) confirms the environmental advantage of electric vehicles in a press release.
The Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) (Federal Statistical Office) provides current statistics on new registrations of electric passenger cars in Germany.
The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) (Federal Motor Transport Authority) informs in a press release about the development and dissemination of alternative drivetrains in the vehicle fleet.
The KfW offers comprehensive information on funding for electromobility for companies and municipalities.
The Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena) (German Energy Agency) highlights the opportunities of electromobility for grid infrastructure and the energy transition.
